The leadership change comes as Bangladesh advances key environmental programmes and international climate commitments, with the new acting secretary bringing extensive experience in climate governance, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
The Government of Bangladesh has appointed Dr Fahmida Khanam as the Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, while Md. Rayhan Kawser has been withdrawn from the position and attached to the Ministry of Public Administration.
The Ministry of Public Administration issued two separate notifications on Monday announcing the changes. Dr Khanam, who was serving as an Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has taken charge of the ministry at a time when Bangladesh is intensifying efforts on climate adaptation, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Dr Fahmida Khanam is a senior officer of the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Cadre with extensive experience in environmental governance, climate policy and natural resource management. Before her appointment as Acting Secretary, she served as Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
She previously served as Executive Director of the National Center for Environmental and Climate Change Information and as Chairman of the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation. Officials said her experience in climate governance, environmental policy and sustainable development would help strengthen ongoing initiatives on forest conservation, biodiversity protection, pollution control and climate resilience.
Her appointment comes at an important time for Bangladesh’s environmental agenda, including implementation of national environmental programmes, the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2026, as well as broader policy efforts linked to climate change and sustainable development.
Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, has continued to advocate internationally for stronger climate action, adaptation finance, loss and damage support and a fair transition towards sustainable development.
The appointment of Dr Fahmida Khanam places an experienced climate and environment-focused administrator at the helm of Bangladesh’s environment ministry as the country continues to strengthen its role in global climate discussions.
Observers believe her background in climate policy, sustainable development and natural resource management could help advance Bangladesh’s efforts on ecosystem protection, climate resilience and environmental governance while supporting the country’s international commitments on climate action.
Dr Khanam has sought cooperation from all stakeholders to protect Bangladesh’s environment and advance the vision of a sustainable and green Bangladesh.
Md. Rayhan Kawser recalled after short tenure
Md. Rayhan Kawser, who joined as Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on March 25, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Public Administration.
Before becoming Environment Secretary, Md. Rayhan Kawser served as Administrator of Barishal City Corporation, the local government body of the southern Bangladeshi city of Barishal, and as Divisional Commissioner of Barishal. During his tenure as city administrator, he faced criticism and allegations from some employees, local groups and community members regarding administrative decisions, financial management and governance practices.
Following the August 5, 2024 mass uprising, several buildings of Barishal City Corporation, including its annex building, were damaged by fire. Allegations have circulated on social media and among some local groups that Md. Rayhan Kawser, while serving as city administrator, mismanaged Tk 7.5 crore (Tk 75 million) allocated for repairing damaged city corporation buildings and that the funds were allegedly used without completing the reported work.
The allegation has not been verified through an independent investigation, court judgment or official finding. It remains an accusation and an expression of criticism from some sections of the community rather than an established case of corruption.
During his tenure at Barishal City Corporation, Md. Rayhan Kawser also faced allegations from some employees and local stakeholders over recruitment practices, contract management, employee regularisation and administrative decisions. Some labour representatives alleged irregularities in recruitment, promotions, contractor selection and development projects, including claims that certain contracts were awarded without proper tender procedures.
Former employees also alleged that the administration failed to address demands for reinstatement and claimed that around 159 temporary sanitation workers were removed without adequate financial support. They further alleged delays in processing files related to employee benefits and reinstatement requests.
Md. Rayhan Kawser rejected the allegations, saying that administrative decisions were taken according to government rules and regulations. He said workers who had crossed the retirement age were released in line with existing policies and denied allegations of financial misconduct. He also said some protests were politically motivated.
Questions were also raised by critics over allegations related to the purchase of land in Kuakata for a resort project, with some claiming the issue raised concerns about priorities and a possible conflict of interest while Barishal City Corporation faced development challenges.
Md. Rayhan Kawser rejected the allegations, stating that the land was purchased legally and below the official market rate. He said the city corporation’s financial obligations, including employee salaries, were not neglected during his tenure.
During his final days at Barishal City Corporation, protests were held by some former employees and workers demanding accountability and raising allegations of administrative misconduct. A farewell programme reportedly organised by supporters was disrupted following demonstrations by critics.
Earlier Right to Information case
Md. Rayhan Kawser also faced an earlier controversy while serving as Assistant Waqf Administrator. In 2018, the Information Commission of Bangladesh fined him Tk 5,000 for failing to provide information requested under the Right to Information Act.
The case involved a request for information related to Waqf land records connected to a mosque and madrasa, including details of land ownership records and whether an ablution facility had been constructed on the designated Waqf property.
The Information Commission directed Md. Rayhan Kawser to provide the requested information within seven days after finding that the applicant had faced difficulties obtaining the information. The penalty was an administrative action under the Right to Information framework and was not a criminal conviction.
